"Karthik Delivers is a story about family, community, and the mango lassi sweetness of reaching for your dreams. Like Karthik himself, this novel delivers big on friendship, charm, and heart." --Sayantani DasGupta, New York Times bestselling author of the Kingdom Beyond series
"Readers will fall in love with endearing Karthik, a young Indian American teen living in Boston, as he navigates his family's expectations and financial pressures during the financial crisis. Chari has masterfully crafted a riveting, nuanced, and delightful journey of self-discovery topped with an extra helping of ice cream, pakoras, and West Side Story. Karthik more than delivers!"--Veera Hiranandani, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Night Diary
**STARRED REVIEW**
"A memorable, contemporary story about growing up and learning about yourself. Karthik grapples with timeless teen issues--fitting in, bullying, parental pressures--as well as more modern problems that might parallel issues kids are dealing with today."--Shelf-Awareness
**STARRED REVIEW**
"Karthik is a compassionate and deeply funny narrator, and his journey of self-discovery while balancing familial obligation and chasing his dreams endears and inspires."--Publishers Weekly
"Chari delivers an authentic examination of the complexities of immigrant family life during the Great Recession, taking a realistic but compassionate look at parents vicariously chasing the American dream through their children. . .This is an encouraging endorsement of reciprocal support that celebrates the possibility (and necessity) of allowing our goals to change."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The author successfully avoids tired tropes about unsupportive immigrant parents by telling a multigenerational story that, most notably, examines how Karthik's parents grapple with their own dreaming. A refreshingly nuanced novel about what it means to chase your dreams." --Kirkus Reviews
"Levelheaded and smart, though sometimes reluctant to let others know what he's thinking, Karthik narrates the story with a winning combination of wit and angst. . .A perceptive, enjoyable novel of self-discovery within expanding circles of family and community." --Booklist
"Chari's prose has a very conversational tone, which adds to the book's authenticity and ease of reading. . .A wonderful realistic fiction title about a young Indian boy following his heart." --School Library Journal